Floyd Mayweather the favourite but Manny Pacquiao has the tools to tarnish his legacy

Facing Manny Pacquiao is everything for Floyd Mayweather. Win and his legacy as TBE (The Best Ever) can be seriously debated. Lose and not only is the precious “0” gone, but his self-proclaimed status transforms into a deluded fantasy.

Floyd Mayweather has far more to lose than Manny Pacquiao when the two finally meet May 2. John Gurzinski / AFP
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Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao have finally given the boxing world what it has been waiting for by agreeing the most lucrative fight deal in history.

The two greatest fighters of this generation will finally climb through the ropes at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2, not only for a wallet-splitting purse, but for something that no amount of money can buy – legacy.

While Pacquiao – a veteran of 62 fights with 57 wins and world titles in eight weight divisions – will likely be defined by his rivalry with Juan Manuel Marquez or trilogy of fights against Erik Morales, Mayweather is yet to have his defining moment.

That has always been the asterisk next to Mayweather’s reputation and unblemished record. The American, undefeated in 47 fights, is undoubtedly a remarkably talented pugilist, but until that moment arrives, questions will remain.

This is it for Mayweather. Win and his legacy as TBE (The Best Ever) can be seriously debated.

Lose and not only is the precious “0” gone, but his self-proclaimed status transforms into a deluded fantasy.

Mayweather is favourite to win the fight and with good reason. The American is the greatest defensive specialist the sport has witnessed. To win fights, you have to land punches, and Mayweather is a man who can barely be touched. His guard is scarcely breached thanks to lightning quick reflexes, incredible concentration and unrivalled ring intellect.

This defensive brilliance provides the foundations for the Mayweather counter-attack. As opponents grow frustrated, Mayweather slips their punches, enters the pocket to unload brisk combos and quickly exits. Points scored, another round won. This efficiency – combined with incredible fitness – ensures Mayweather remains as fresh in the 12th round as he was in the first.

He also possesses one of the snappiest jabs in boxing, allowing Mayweather, who scored on 42 per cent of his jabs against Saul Alvarez, to keep aggressive fighters at length as he continues to score points.

That is what it is all about for Mayweather. Score points, win rounds, win fights. Blood and thunder are not part of the Mayweather make-up.

No doubt Pacquiao is facing a massive task if he is to become the first man to topple “Money” Mayweather, but the Filipino’s style should make this Mayweather’s toughest fight.

Pacquiao is blisteringly quick, possesses power in both hands and has fantastic ring movement. He does not operate in straight lines like a Maidana or Alvarez and his elusiveness in attack will pose problems for Mayweather.

From the first bell, Pacquiao has to smother Mayweather and not allow him to build any rhythm. He has to accept that he will throw and miss but he must keep throwing, create new angles and vary his combos. The longer Pacquiao can prevent Mayweather from reading his attacks, the better his chances of building an early lead.

If Pacquiao can achieve this and hold a points lead by the middle rounds, he will have set up victory. Mayweather will be forced to come forward, out of his comfort zone in search of points and from there, Pacquiao can use that punch power and speed to launch his own brand of counter-attack.

Pacquiao is also a southpaw – not just any southpaw but the best on the planet – and Mayweather is not a fan of facing southpaws.

As Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has said: “I promoted the guy for 10 years and I know how difficult it was to get him in the ring with any southpaw. When you talk about a southpaw who can move like Manny, that’s not the kind of opponent that Mayweather feels he would do well against.”

Mayweather deserves to be favourite and 47 fighters before Pacquiao have entered the ring with what they wrongly believed was the blueprint to win.

But Pacquiao is no Ricky Hatton, Robert Guerrero or Victor Ortiz and might just be the man to make it 47-1.

If he does, Mayweather will be leaving a very different legacy.

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